PHNDC Bulletin

News and Events for the Prospect Heights Community

This is an update from the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council informing you about news and events happening around the neighborhood. Visit http://www.phndc.org for additional information about community developments and events.

In this issue:

COVID-19 resources for Prospect Heights residents and businesses
Bricks & Brownstone: Author Talk with Patrick W. Ciccone 4/29

COVID-19 resources for Prospect Heights residents and businesses

All of our community members are coping in some way with the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 emergency. Below are resources to help you understand the nature of the outbreak, where to go for medical help, what services are available to help you and your family, and where you can volunteer to help or donate to organizations providing relief.

Seniors and vulnerable individuals

If you are elderly, sick, or vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, you may order groceries for delivery from the stores listed below. Expect long waits for delivery, and plan accordingly.

Foodtown, 632 Vanderbilt Avenue: Persons not able to shop in person and who live in the Prospect Heights neighborhood may call (718) 783-1887 to order groceries for delivery.

The Department for the Aging (DFTA) works with case-management agencies to provide in-home care for people age 60 and older who cannot leave home and have financial need.

ThriveNYC offers mental health services you can access from home.

Workers who have lost income or benefits due to COVID-19

Guide to available aid based on personal circumstances

With some exceptions, employees who work more than 80 hours in a calendar year are guaranteed paid sick leave under New York City’s Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law. Contact the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection if you face retaliation or face other adverse action such as threats or discipline for using your sick leave.

Apply for New York State unemployment benefits.

Register for help finding a job through the City’s Workforce 1 program.

Find out how the CARES Act affects your unemployment benefits.

Enroll for health coverage through New York State of Health marketplace.

NYC Care provides low-cost or free healthcare for all New Yorkers regardless of ability to pay or immigration status. Call the 24-hour NYC Care service at 646-NYC-CARE (646-692-3373) to enroll and make an appointment.

If your work schedule was reduced as a result of the coronavirus and you are unable to pay your rent, you can apply for a Cash Assistance special grant request to get benefits for emergencies.

Individuals and families in need of food

Two local organizations providing food to those in need are:

Hope City Empowerment Center, 650-656 Washington Avenue, (718) 837-5698, operates a food pantry Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00am.

CHiPS Soup Kitchen & Women’s Shelter, 200 4th Avenue, (718) 237-2962, is currently providing meals to pick up daily from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Check their Facebook page for updates.

Find other food pantries with FoodHelp NYC.

Students in grades K-12 can find the nearest location to pick up free meals from the City of New York.

People who cannot leave home and can’t afford to have food delivered can sign up to have food delivered free by the City of New York.

Health care providers and suppliers

COVID-19 information for health care professionals

Donate personal protective equipment (PPE).

To volunteer with the City, register for ServNY, then register with the NYC Medical Reserve Corps.

The City is seeking businesses that can provide critical medical supplies.

Business owners

Find out if your business is an essential business exempt from workforce reduction executive orders.

Find out about COVID-19 related grants from the Small Business Administration.

Register to sell supplies to the City of New York.

Financial assistance from the City of New York for businesses impacted by COVID-19

How to volunteer or donate

New York Cares is coordinating volunteers with the City of New York.

Brooklyn Community Foundation has created a COVID-19 fund for donations to vulnerable communities in Brooklyn, especially older adults, people with compromised immune systems, low-wage workers, and people who are unhoused. Find out more and donate.

The Food Bank for NYC is accepting donations to provide emergency food to vulnerable New Yorkers.

News for Prospect Heights Residents

General health information and emergency policy

What to do if you or a family member has been exposed or is sick.